A portable camping oven offers you a versatile, reliable and efficient cooking option while camping. This means you can bake, roast, and fry a wide variety of food, rather than relying on the same meal every day. Portable camping ovens use different power sources, giving you the option to choose the source suits you the most.
Some models also have burners that can be used to cook other meals while you are baking or using the oven. If you are looking to buy an oven for a large group of campers or personal use, you can find an oven that suits your needs. Well, we have compiled a list of the best portable camping ovens in the market right now.
Keep reading to learn more about the features that these ovens possess and factors to consider when choosing the right portable camping oven.
Our top picks
- Best Overall Pick: Portable Butane Camping Trailer Oven
- Best for Its Value: Coleman Camping Oven
- Premium Pick: Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven
- Solar Pick: Sunflair Mini Portable Solar Oven
- Best Dutch Oven: Lodge L12DCO3 Deep Camp Dutch Oven, 8 Quart
Best Overall Pick: Portable Butane Camping Trailer Oven
Due to its power, efficiency, and small size, the Portable Butane Camping Trailer Oven is one of the best camping ovens in the market.
It has a Piezo ignition system that saves your time while igniting it. It is also designed to utilize one butane canister for about three hours, giving you ample time to do your cooking. Unlike other cheaply constructed ovens, heat is evenly distributed and maintained in the oven for faster cooking. You can also use it to cook multiple meals at the same.
portable camping oven
For safety purposes, this oven has an automatic gas shut off feature that is activated once flames are extinguished. This keeps you and your family safe. Durability is brought about by this oven’s steel construction. Not to forget, it is made of high-quality materials.
While the Portable Butane Camping Trailer Oven evenly distributes heat, it does not have an automatic temperature regulator.
What We Like:
- It has a carrying case.
- Appealing design.
- Bakes perfectly.
- Small size.
- Safety features like automatic shut off timer and a built-in pressure safety device.
- Piezo ignition system.
What We Don’t Like:
- It lacks an automatic temperature regulator.
Buy the Portable Butane Camping Trailer Oven here.
Best for Its Value: Coleman Outdoor Camping Oven
The Coleman Camping Oven is a budget-friendly oven that can be easily folded for portability or storage.
Measuring 13.5 x 12.9 x 3.3 inches, this oven can be set up easily in your campsite to bake delicacies such as cinnamon rolls, cornbread and bake up rolls. Unlike other ovens that rely on electrical or gas power to generate heat energy, the Coleman Outdoor Camping Oven generates its heat energy from either a two or a three burner stove. Place it on top of a stove to bake or heat food.
Apart from that, this portable camp oven comes with a rack that can be adjusted to three different heights. A thermometer is positioned on the front side of the oven to help you bake easily while keeping yourself aware of the internal temperature. It’s also worthwhile to note that it has a corrosion-resistant aluminized steel finish that enhances its durability.
The corrosion-resistant surface also wipes easily, making it easier for you to clean it after baking. Even though this oven’s performance is good, it has a few downsides. For starters, the easy-to-read thermometer is not as reliable as desired, and the heat is not evenly distributed.
What We Like:
- Pocket-friendly.
- Easy to clean.
- Adjustable rack height.
- Foldable for easier portability.
- Corrosion-resistant surface.
What We Don’t Like:
- Unreliable easy-to-read thermometer.
- Unevenly distributed heat.
Check Prices of Coleman Outdoor Camping Oven.
Premium Pick: Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven
The Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven is our premium pick because you can use the oven while cooking other meals on the stove. It has two brass range burners and one oven burner.
This oven is versatile since it can be used in various outdoor spaces. Its upper surface is enamel coated for easier cleaning. The stovetop (17 x 9.5 inches) is big enough to fit a full-sized pan. It also has a foldable windscreen that shields the stove’s flame from strong wind. The foldable windscreen rests on the oven’s upper surface when not in use.
Measuring 11 x 16 x 9 inches, this oven’s cooking chamber has enough space to fit two racks that can be adjusted to three different heights. Needless to say, the oven’s door can rest in three different positions: closed, open and venting. For safety purposes, the handle has a padded sleeve that acts as an insulator to prevent you from getting burnt.
Heat is evenly distributed inside the oven due to good temperature control. This ensures that your food is evenly cooked. Sadly enough, this oven has a few setbacks. It is limited to backpacking since it weighs 32 lbs. Plus, the oven’s burner takes long to cook food.
What We Like:
- Perfect temperature control.
- Versatility.
- Distributes heat evenly.
- Easy to clean.
- Lights up perfectly.
- Large stovetop.
What We Don’t Like
- Limited to backpacking.
- The oven takes longer to cook food.
Check Prices of Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven.
Solar Pick: Sunflair Mini Portable Solar Oven
The Sunflair Mini Portable Solar Oven is our solar pick because it is lightweight and utilizes solar energy to cook food. You can use it from sun-up to sundown.
Weighing only 8 ounces, this oven can be folded into a small size (2 x 11 x13 inches) for easier portability. It also comes with a collapsible pot that can be carried anywhere. This saves you from carrying extra utensils whenever you go out for camping. While this oven might look like it’s not powerful, it’s interior temperature can get as high 260 degrees Celcius. Plus, you can leave your food unattended for hours and it will not get scorched or burned.
Use the thermometer that comes with the oven to check the interior temperature. Even though this oven can be used in emergencies, it’s worthwhile to add that the exterior material used to trap solar energy is not so durable.
What We Like:
- Heats up quite fast.
- Lightweight.
- It can be folded for easier portability.
- Flat trivet that acts as a baking sheet.
- Easy to set up.
What We Don’t Like:
- The outer case is not so durable.
- Only efficient when the UV index is 3+.
Check Prices of Sunflair Mini Portable Solar Oven.
Best Dutch Oven: Lodge L12DCO3 Deep Camp Dutch Oven, 8 Quart
The Lodge L12DCO3 Deep Camp Dutch Oven, 8 Quart is the best dutch oven because it is made from pre-seasoned and durable cast iron that distributes heat evenly while cooking.
Looking for something that is old school? This portable camp oven can be used to roast, bake, sear, and fry food. It made from cast-iron, which heats up and retains heat easily. Plus, its lid does much more than covering the upper opening. It has a special design that allows you to place coals on its surface so that you can use it to roast and bake food.
You can also turn the lid upside down and use it as a griddle to fry eggs and bacon. This portable camp oven is pre-seasoned to create a nonstick surface and prevent rust from building up on the surface. For that old school vibe, it has a heavy-gauge wire bale that can be used to hang it over a campfire. It also has three legs used to position it above a heat source.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, this oven is too heavy and can be dangerous when carried carelessly.
What We Like:
- Made from a durable material (cast iron)
- The lid can be used as a griddle.
- Non-stick and rust-resistant surface.
- Heavy-gauge wire bale.
- Big capacity (8 quartz)
- Easy to clean
What We Donk Like:
- Heavy and Cumbersome.
Check Prices of Lodge L12DCO3 Deep Camp Dutch Oven, 8 Quart.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Portable Camping Oven
Heat Source
One of the most important considerations to take into account when choosing a portable camp oven is the source of heat energy. The heat source might determine the oven’s portability. Fuel-intensive ovens tend to be heavier. Here are some of the most common heat sources used:
- Propane: This is a liquid petroleum gas normally packaged in 20-pound cylinders and 16-ounce canisters. Most camping equipment rely on propane as a source of energy. It helps you cook faster, and it is a clean source of energy. However, you have to purchase it before going to your campsite.
- Fire: Traditional campfire will never be outdated. However, it damages some cooking equipment, so you have to be keen on the type of oven you are using. The most ideal oven to be used in a campfire is a dutch oven. Such ovens are made from heavy cast iron, which can withstand fierce coal flames. While fire doesn’t cook as fast as propane, it is faster than solar energy and will get your food ready in time.
- Solar: Solar powered ovens use solar energy to heat up and cook food. They are mostly used in backpacking and primitive camping because they are easily portable. The highest temperature that these ovens can attain is about 280 degrees. Sadly enough, solar-powered ovens might take a long time to cook your food.While some solar ovens can cook food from scratch, most are used to heat food.
- White gas: This is similar to propane. However, it burns with a clear flame, and it’s more expensive than other heat sources.
Weight
Weight is another important factor that should be taken into consideration when purchasing a portable camp oven. How are planning to transport the oven to the campsite? Are you using a vehicle or a backpack?
If you planning to carry your oven in a backpack, opt for a solar oven. They are lightweight and will save you from the trouble of carrying heavy fuel canisters/cylinders. If you are using a vehicle, opt for a dutch oven which cooks finer meals.
Size
The size of an oven determines the ease of portability. If you are planning to carry your oven in a backpack, opt for an one that can be easily folded when it’s not in use. You should also take into account the fuel source of the oven. Some ovens might be foldable but they don’t have a powerful fuel source. On the other hand, there are a few ovens that have a powerful heat source and are not foldable.
Pay attention to the size of the oven’s chamber because this might affect the number of cooking equipment that might fit in the oven. If you are cooking for a large group, your oven should be large enough to fit large-sized cookware.
Material
The material used to make a portable camping oven determines how well it heats your food. Most portable camping ovens are made from:
- Cast-iron: This is one of the most durable materials used in the construction of ovens. It distributes heat evenly to give you a perfectly cooked meal. While it might be a durable material, it is quite heavy and cumbersome.
- Aluminum: This material is used to make portable camping ovens because it is lightweight. It distributes heat fairly well, but not as adequately as cast-iron. It is also a durable material.
Benefits of Using A Using A Portable Camping Oven
Compact And Lightweight
Most camping ovens are lightweight and portable. This means that you can carry them to different campsites without straining. Plus, they are easy to set up and operate.
Immediate Source of Heat
An oven makes it possible to cook a variety of different meals while camping, rather than eating the same meal every day. Several portable ovens can roast, sear, fry, and roast food.
Easy To Ignite And Use
Most portable camping ovens are ignited easily using different ignition systems. Some ovens are equipped with the Piezo ignition system whereas others have an electrical ignition system. Such ignition systems save your time and ease up the cooking process.
Variable Heat
Portable camping ovens have adjustable knobs that can be used to change the temperature. This makes it easier to cook/bake at the optimum temperature without scorching/burning food.
Features To Consider When Buying A Portable Camping Oven
Different types of ovens have different features that might be crucial in the cooking process. Here are some features offered by portable camping ovens that might come in handy while cooking:
Thermometer
Some dishes need to be cooked at a specific temperature to get perfect results. High-end ovens are equipped with thermometers and temperature regulation settings to help you cook at the perfect temperature. If your oven’s thermometer is not as accurate as desired, you can purchase a more accurate thermometer and use it.
Burners
Some ovens have burners that let you cook multiple meals at the same time. It’s worthwhile to note that using multiple burners might consume more fuel than using one burner.
Racks
Most portable camp ovens have racks that help you in the cooking process.
Portability
Portability might differ depending on the mode of transportation you are planning to use. While some campers might want their oven to fit in a backpack, others might consider fitting it in a vehicle. Most ovens have different features enhance portability. Such features include:
- Foldable sides: Some ovens can be folded to fit into tight and limited spaces found in backpacks.
- Carrying bag: Portable camping ovens come with carrying bags to ease portability. Such bags also act as protective cases, shielding the oven from anything that might damage the exterior finishes.
Portable Camping Oven FAQ’s
Which are the commonest meals cooked in a portable oven?
Pizza is the most popular delicacy cooked in a portable camping oven. One-pot meals also come in handy when you are camping. Casseroles and stews can be prepared before camping and heated at the campsite.
How fast does a solar oven cook? Which are the commonest meals cooked in a portable oven
The oven’s temperature depends on the solar intensity. While solar ovens might be used in remote backpacking trips, they take longer to prepare a meal than other ovens. If you are planning to cook a meal that might take longer to get ready, you have to arrive at your destination earlier.
How do you check the oven’s temperature?
Most ovens have a thermometer that can be used to determine the temperature. However, in some ovens, the thermometer might not be so effective. If you notice this, you can purchase your thermometer and use it to check the oven’s temperature.
How To Properly Set-Up And Test Portable Oven
Once you determine which portable camping oven you want to purchase, the next thing you need to do is to test for its efficiency.
Set it up as required in the manual guidelines, then use inexpensive food to test if the oven cooks food at the required temperature. If it burns or scorches food you need to find a solution to that. Some remedies that might help with that is using a ceramic tile to evenly distribute heat.
You should also test your oven in different environments to investigate if it can heat up properly when exposed to different exterior temperatures. If it doesn’t heat up properly in a cold environment, then it designed to be used in other seasons.
Other Useful Resources
Now that you know which oven might be suitable for you, the next thing you need to know is how to maintain it. After using an oven for a long period, it starts to get grubby. Charred food and grease that has accumulated on the oven might produce a strong burning smell while cooking. If this happens, consider cleaning it using vinegar and baking soda.
Prepare a mixture and apply it on the oven’s surface. Let the paste sit on the surface for about 10-12 hours, then wipe it off using a damp surface. It’s also worthwhile to note that some ovens might be easier to clean than others because they don’t have thick surfaces that can develop grim easily. Such ovens can be easily cleaned using a damp cloth.
Conclusion
Most ovens listed above have superb features that take your camping experience to the next level. You can utilize those features to prepare delicious food that will spice up your camp menu. Moreover, these ovens are quite portable and can be used in different campsites. Plus, you have a wide range of heat sources to choose from.
A large number of camping ovens are made from high-quality materials, so you can be assured of durability. Such an example is the Lodge Camp Deep Oven, which is made from cast-iron. These materials also distribute heat evenly to give a nicely cooked meal.
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